Frankly, I increasingly LOVE the fact that in Windows 8 Metro/tile mode, I can start typing and search for anything related to the computer, not just files or settings on the computer, but items in the Microsoft Store too. That is a great, great feature.

I love the fact I can give my surface to my 3 year old and she can do what she likes - shes got her own account log in with picture password and all her apps on there that she wants - She paints, draws, does puzzles, reads stories and plays cut the rope. Dont ever have to intervene and she worked out the swipe gestures in an afternoon. Could she do that with windows 7 - No. Did i feel safe letting her loose on a desktop - No.
If my 3 year old daughter can find her way round a computer system then good riddance to the start menu. If it makes it a Fisher Price UI, so f'in what. Fisher Price rules, every child uses their toys for the simplicity. I want a simple UI with enough power behind the scenes to do what i want if i need to get down and dirty. Quake 2 on a surface RT rocks and i dont need to use a start menu to get it to work.